James Wayman
@jameswayman.bsky.social
A big fan of rock, jazz, prog, and metal music with a soft spot for baseball history.
Stumbled into this and didn't flinch. Normally not my style, but BAD IDEA caught and decided to follow it through. To my ears it sounds a little like Siouxsie Sioux attempting that folk/country/roots style that Robert Plant has been doing since RAISING SAND. Musical serendipity.
February 4, 2026 at 12:26 AM
Stumbled into this and didn't flinch. Normally not my style, but BAD IDEA caught and decided to follow it through. To my ears it sounds a little like Siouxsie Sioux attempting that folk/country/roots style that Robert Plant has been doing since RAISING SAND. Musical serendipity.
Loved the first 2 cds, but didn't quite know what to make of HUMANS BEING. Until I heard IV; I figured they made Seal shed the acoustic side and commit to being more of a dance artist. While this stays in the electro realm; the songs and vocals are strong. WAITING is a highlight.
February 4, 2026 at 12:24 AM
Loved the first 2 cds, but didn't quite know what to make of HUMANS BEING. Until I heard IV; I figured they made Seal shed the acoustic side and commit to being more of a dance artist. While this stays in the electro realm; the songs and vocals are strong. WAITING is a highlight.
Early in the cd age, albums were butchered to make more saleable releases. INNER SPACE is a comp that probably should have been TONES FOR JOAN'S BONES with bonus cuts. Instead, it is 2 unreleased songs; a collaboration with Hubert Laws, and the omission of two tracks from JOAN'S.
February 1, 2026 at 8:32 PM
Early in the cd age, albums were butchered to make more saleable releases. INNER SPACE is a comp that probably should have been TONES FOR JOAN'S BONES with bonus cuts. Instead, it is 2 unreleased songs; a collaboration with Hubert Laws, and the omission of two tracks from JOAN'S.
NOT SLEEPING AROUND was a 90s psychedelic ride of then-current Brit-pop. They had 2 bassists. Fun fact: Benny Goodman hated firing musicians. He'd hire a second player for the instrument he wanted replaced; hoping the target would quit in shame. He likely had 2 bassists as well.
January 31, 2026 at 4:32 PM
NOT SLEEPING AROUND was a 90s psychedelic ride of then-current Brit-pop. They had 2 bassists. Fun fact: Benny Goodman hated firing musicians. He'd hire a second player for the instrument he wanted replaced; hoping the target would quit in shame. He likely had 2 bassists as well.
On release it felt more like a sports transaction than artistic potential. In exchange for Newsted, FaJ gets deal with Elektra Records. A pleasant surprise that the band is still active 40 years later. DREAMS OF DEATH, NE TERROR, and P.A.A.B. still hit hard.
January 31, 2026 at 5:23 AM
On release it felt more like a sports transaction than artistic potential. In exchange for Newsted, FaJ gets deal with Elektra Records. A pleasant surprise that the band is still active 40 years later. DREAMS OF DEATH, NE TERROR, and P.A.A.B. still hit hard.
Chased their LP's as a younger fan; but didn't encounter any Liege Lord until I was able to pick off cd's online. I like the melodic touches and the vocalist's occasional resemblance to Maiden's Bruce Dickinson. Rapture and the title track suggest a power thrash metal hybrid.
January 30, 2026 at 12:49 AM
Chased their LP's as a younger fan; but didn't encounter any Liege Lord until I was able to pick off cd's online. I like the melodic touches and the vocalist's occasional resemblance to Maiden's Bruce Dickinson. Rapture and the title track suggest a power thrash metal hybrid.
This album stands out like an uncomfortable baby photo. Though it felt like a dated dead end when I first heard it on LP in the mid-80s, I find myself coming back for BASTILLE DAY and LAKESIDE PARK. Definitely hear aspirations toward Yes and Genesis without losing their rock.
![The cover art for Rush's CARESS OF STEEL featuring golden letters and a (golden) sepia image of an old man on a rock in a storm. [Always thought this referenced the section of NO ONE AT THE BRIDGE.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:xomfl4ghkossskwummqwa6ui/bafkreihwsojenyvztjgzmx3v5jyee4brc7gpgz4r6oa5b3gsoibafr2rfq@jpeg)
January 29, 2026 at 1:11 AM
This album stands out like an uncomfortable baby photo. Though it felt like a dated dead end when I first heard it on LP in the mid-80s, I find myself coming back for BASTILLE DAY and LAKESIDE PARK. Definitely hear aspirations toward Yes and Genesis without losing their rock.
This cover art reminds me of the 80's floppy discs used in Commodore 64 drives. Particularly the white part of the ring. This album definitely falls into that chasm between new age reflection and chamber jazz. This music inspires warrior pose into downward facing dog.
January 28, 2026 at 1:01 AM
This cover art reminds me of the 80's floppy discs used in Commodore 64 drives. Particularly the white part of the ring. This album definitely falls into that chasm between new age reflection and chamber jazz. This music inspires warrior pose into downward facing dog.
Eddie Daniels and Gary Burton were already established leaders when GRP had them put this smooth tribute to the music of Benny Goodman and Lionel Hampton. A better listen when you ignore the followed footsteps and accept this as a nice pair of slippers for different feet.
January 27, 2026 at 12:56 AM
Eddie Daniels and Gary Burton were already established leaders when GRP had them put this smooth tribute to the music of Benny Goodman and Lionel Hampton. A better listen when you ignore the followed footsteps and accept this as a nice pair of slippers for different feet.
Midnight Oil is a prime example of the whole being so much more than the sum of its parts. Taken in pieces it shouldn't work; but when it comes together it is overwhelming. So dynamic, powerful, and anthemic. 40+ years haven't dimmed READ ABOUT IT yet.
January 25, 2026 at 7:41 PM
Midnight Oil is a prime example of the whole being so much more than the sum of its parts. Taken in pieces it shouldn't work; but when it comes together it is overwhelming. So dynamic, powerful, and anthemic. 40+ years haven't dimmed READ ABOUT IT yet.
The first phase of a long goodbye. Two listens in and unsure. I liked the punkier aspects like CARE and BLOODLUST a bit more than GOD or OBEY. The reclamation of RIDE THE LIGHTNING reminds me of peak Mustaine. It's good, but my expectations were probably too high. Reality hurts.
January 24, 2026 at 8:05 PM
The first phase of a long goodbye. Two listens in and unsure. I liked the punkier aspects like CARE and BLOODLUST a bit more than GOD or OBEY. The reclamation of RIDE THE LIGHTNING reminds me of peak Mustaine. It's good, but my expectations were probably too high. Reality hurts.
Scorpions occupied a bedrock location in my hard rock hierarchy. Appreciated them, but more like a mutual friend at the party than a close one. This started Phase 3, where they reached their most successful era. CAN'T GET ENOUGH, SUNDAY MORNING, and title track are highlights.
January 23, 2026 at 7:11 PM
Scorpions occupied a bedrock location in my hard rock hierarchy. Appreciated them, but more like a mutual friend at the party than a close one. This started Phase 3, where they reached their most successful era. CAN'T GET ENOUGH, SUNDAY MORNING, and title track are highlights.
No 'death to false metal' pledge could prevent me from liking GROOVE IS IN THE HEART. It sounded 20 years out of date as a new song, and thinking it is one advertising campaign or soundtrack spot away from possibly catching again. It's not BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY, but a lot more fun.
January 23, 2026 at 4:27 AM
No 'death to false metal' pledge could prevent me from liking GROOVE IS IN THE HEART. It sounded 20 years out of date as a new song, and thinking it is one advertising campaign or soundtrack spot away from possibly catching again. It's not BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY, but a lot more fun.
Revealing my ignorance in saying blues has tended to sound better in most live settings than it ever has on any of my modest stereo set-ups. This album is one of several exceptions. B.B. played to the wider audience without losing authenticity. I may develop a blues taste yet.
January 22, 2026 at 12:37 AM
Revealing my ignorance in saying blues has tended to sound better in most live settings than it ever has on any of my modest stereo set-ups. This album is one of several exceptions. B.B. played to the wider audience without losing authenticity. I may develop a blues taste yet.
Though known for tv composing and co-leading smooth jazz act, Special EFX; Chieli Minucci has a handful of solo albums too. THE GIFT is a highlight. Conjuring up Peter Gabriel-type rhythms, and a structure like PEOPLE MAKE THE WORLD GO ROUND. His lines in the choruses are great.
January 21, 2026 at 12:31 AM
Though known for tv composing and co-leading smooth jazz act, Special EFX; Chieli Minucci has a handful of solo albums too. THE GIFT is a highlight. Conjuring up Peter Gabriel-type rhythms, and a structure like PEOPLE MAKE THE WORLD GO ROUND. His lines in the choruses are great.
I'd love to learn about the evolution of Rudy Van Gelder's studios in New Jersey and all he had to keep up with in terms of process/tech for the 60+ years he was active. This 1997 piano trio entry is part of that line. Not classic, but Kuhn's trio is gently melodic and welcoming.
January 19, 2026 at 7:42 PM
I'd love to learn about the evolution of Rudy Van Gelder's studios in New Jersey and all he had to keep up with in terms of process/tech for the 60+ years he was active. This 1997 piano trio entry is part of that line. Not classic, but Kuhn's trio is gently melodic and welcoming.
A moment of reflection for Ralph Towner, who played guitar and piano for Oregon. My first exposure to Ralph from a beautifully meandering cover of the Beatles' HERE THERE & EVERYWHERE. After McCandless brought me to Oregon, I felt they were co-maestros. The art fits the band.
January 18, 2026 at 6:47 PM
A moment of reflection for Ralph Towner, who played guitar and piano for Oregon. My first exposure to Ralph from a beautifully meandering cover of the Beatles' HERE THERE & EVERYWHERE. After McCandless brought me to Oregon, I felt they were co-maestros. The art fits the band.
Up early and getting a head start on my tasklist. Had bagged on Kix in a previous response and decided to revisit an early album. This feels like an American version of Krokus with AC/DC worship and try-hard energy. Fun, but not as good as Def Leppard's HIGH N DRY for this style.
January 17, 2026 at 3:55 PM
Up early and getting a head start on my tasklist. Had bagged on Kix in a previous response and decided to revisit an early album. This feels like an American version of Krokus with AC/DC worship and try-hard energy. Fun, but not as good as Def Leppard's HIGH N DRY for this style.
I didn't really get INXS until KICK came out. Going back made me realize that they really worked hard to pay their dues. SHABOOH and THIEVES got acclaim; but COLOURS is underrated. BARBARIAN, YOUNG, and the title track fit nicely between English Beat & Joe Jackson on a playlist.
January 17, 2026 at 1:05 AM
I didn't really get INXS until KICK came out. Going back made me realize that they really worked hard to pay their dues. SHABOOH and THIEVES got acclaim; but COLOURS is underrated. BARBARIAN, YOUNG, and the title track fit nicely between English Beat & Joe Jackson on a playlist.
Nostalgia is a weird thing. Remembered seeing this Spanish series of Polydor artist compilations on LP in the cutout bins at Musicland in the early 80's. Likely have everything here among the box and albums I own. Likely would've bought this if it ever came out on cd.
January 16, 2026 at 12:55 AM
Nostalgia is a weird thing. Remembered seeing this Spanish series of Polydor artist compilations on LP in the cutout bins at Musicland in the early 80's. Likely have everything here among the box and albums I own. Likely would've bought this if it ever came out on cd.
When this was released, I really liked the cheesy all-out synth 80's sheen on top of these blues-based rock songs. Like a soundtrack to an imaginary Stallone film. Side B was a frequent flyer. One of a few I had on LP, tape, and CD. Went well with a game of the original HARDBALL on the Commodore 64.
January 15, 2026 at 1:04 AM
When this was released, I really liked the cheesy all-out synth 80's sheen on top of these blues-based rock songs. Like a soundtrack to an imaginary Stallone film. Side B was a frequent flyer. One of a few I had on LP, tape, and CD. Went well with a game of the original HARDBALL on the Commodore 64.
When it comes to DM, I will admit I was fairly ignorant. Probably still am to a certain extent. With few exceptions, I preferred guitars over synthesizers and don't get me started on drum machines. Very good songs and imaginative orchestrations make this an outlier for me.
January 14, 2026 at 12:41 AM
When it comes to DM, I will admit I was fairly ignorant. Probably still am to a certain extent. With few exceptions, I preferred guitars over synthesizers and don't get me started on drum machines. Very good songs and imaginative orchestrations make this an outlier for me.
A college friend needed to write an essay for his music appreciation class. He didn't really like music but was concerned that picking something obviously popular would hurt the grade. So we chose this one. We'd listen to a track, discuss it, and he'd write. Still think of this when I listen now.
January 13, 2026 at 12:56 AM
A college friend needed to write an essay for his music appreciation class. He didn't really like music but was concerned that picking something obviously popular would hurt the grade. So we chose this one. We'd listen to a track, discuss it, and he'd write. Still think of this when I listen now.
A measure of impact consider how much additional art is created from the various pieces of an influential musician or band. This group made 4 albums interpreting the Grateful Dead in a fusion style before someone else used JID for something else. Billy Cobham is a worthy bonus.
January 11, 2026 at 8:17 PM
A measure of impact consider how much additional art is created from the various pieces of an influential musician or band. This group made 4 albums interpreting the Grateful Dead in a fusion style before someone else used JID for something else. Billy Cobham is a worthy bonus.
Short days and cold nights make for prime listening sessions. This song's appearance in GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM made me go looking for its source. This cd wrapped me further into the warmth of Louis's voice and musical hijinks. This holds its age while I continue to catch up.
January 10, 2026 at 7:34 PM
Short days and cold nights make for prime listening sessions. This song's appearance in GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM made me go looking for its source. This cd wrapped me further into the warmth of Louis's voice and musical hijinks. This holds its age while I continue to catch up.